Sciatica

Sciatica

The term ‘sciatica’ is often used to describe severe back pain. Specifically it refers to pain that can spread along the path of the Sciatic Nerve. The nerve originates in the lower back, passes along the back of the thigh (hamstring region), into the leg and extends to the foot/toes.

Generally sciatica affects only one side of body. Symptoms may vary, depending on the cause and the level of pressure placed on the sciatic nerve.

What are the symptoms of Sciatica?

Shooting pains. May also be a persistent (tooth-achy like) pain or can come in spasms or feel like burning.

Typically there is pain in the buttock, along hamstring and into the calf. It may also extend to the foot and toes.

Pain in the lower back is made worse by sneezing or coughing.

There may be pins and needles (tingling), numbness or weakness in the leg or foot.

What causes Sciatica?

Lower back ‘disc’ problem – The intervertebral discs that sit between the vertebra can become damaged and can cause pressure or pinch the nerve as it leaves the spine.

Sciatica – may be caused by the Piriformis Muscle.

Piriformis syndrome – As sciatic the nerve leaves the pelvis it runs under a muscle called the piriformis. This muscle can cause pressure or irritation to the nerve causing sciatica-type pain.

Pregnancy – The body goes through major changes during the course of pregnancy. The combination of weight gain, a change to the centre of gravity and the change of hormones (secretion of Relaxin) may cause sciatica during pregnancy.

Lumbar spine stenosis – This narrowing of the spinal canal (where the spinal cord runs) is related to natural aging (common over the age of 60).

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction – Dysfunction of the sacroiliac (SI) joint (a pair of joints at the base of the spine) can also cause irritation to the sciatic nerve.

Things that can aggravate sciatica include:

Being overweight.

Sleeping on a mattress that offers poor support.

Not exercising regularly.

Wearing high heels.

How is Sciatica diagnosed?

We will take a detailed medical history and conduct a thorough examination to ascertain whether Osteopathy is a suitable treatment for you before we treat. This may involve performing a range of Orthopaedic tests along with assessment of your back, pelvis, hips and legs to consider reflexes, flexibility and strength. If we feel you need referring back to your G.P. for an MRI scan or X-ray, then we can do that for you, with your consent.

How can Osteopathy help your Sciatica?

Osteopathic assessment and treatment for sciatica.

If Osteopathy is considered suitable then it can be highly effective in helping sciatica, both for an acute episodes as well as long term management to help avoid further episodes. Our treatment is geared towards relieving the pressure on the nerves, muscles and joints, through a gentle combination of soft tissue massage, stretching techniques and joint mobilization.

Osteopathy is a physical therapy which uses manual (hands-on) techniques to diagnose and treat structural and mechanical dysfunctions of the body, without the use of drugs or surgery. Soft tissue massage, joint and muscle stretches are used to improve range of movement and reduce pain and stiffness in the muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, tendons and nerves.

More about the clinic

If you would like to know more about where our clinic is, who we are, our prices or want to see answers to our patient’s frequently asked questions please see our “about us” section or just contact us and one of the Osteopaths will get in touch to answer your more specific questions.

At Cheadle Osteopathy they are very professional and thorough clinicians. Their consultations and in depth personalised treatment is unique. Having been to different clinicians and osteopaths, I can safely say the treatment I have received at Cheadle Osteopathy is amazing.. They have remedied back, shoulder, knee, neck etc problems for me!
I have recommended them to family and friends who have all been equally as impressed.*